Early field performance of micropropagated Japanese persimmon trees

Abstract

Growth of micropropagated Japanese persimmon trees (Diospyros kaki L. cv. Nishimurawase) during the initial 3 years after field establishmen was compared with that of grafted trees on seedling stocks. Judging from the mean length of annual shoots per tree and the yearly increases in height, trunk diameter, and top and root dry mass, the grafted trees on seedling stocks grew poorly during the first and second growing seasons, while micropropagated trees, raised in an outdoor nursery, developed poorly only during the first growing season. In contrast, micropropagated trees raised in pots fared well soon after field establishment. These trees had more fine than middle and large roots; in contrast, grafted trees on seedling stocks had one large taproot, which died back to some extent after field establishment, with few fine roots.